Question
Please provide a narration together with the Arabic text that specifically speaks about seeking knowledge just to argue with others and prove one’s point.
Answer
The following Hadiths discuss this:
1) Sayyiduna Ka’b ibn Malik (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said:
“Whoever seeks knowledge in order to compete with the ‘Ulama, or to debate with the foolish, or to draw people’s attention, Allah will put him into Jahannam.”
(Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 2654. See here)
Arabic text:
من طلب العلم ليجاري به العلماء أو ليماري به السفهاء أو يصرف به وجوه الناس إليه أدخله الله النار
2) Sayyiduna Jabir (radiyallahu ‘anhu) reported that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: “Do not seek knowledge to be boastful over the ‘Ulama, nor to debate the foolish nor [to choose the best seat/stand out in a gathering]. Whomsoever does this, then The Fire, The Fire [i.e. He is deserving of Jahannam].”
(Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith: 254, Sahih Ibn Hibban; Al Ihsan, Hadith: 77)
Arabic text:
لا تعلموا العلم لتباهوا به العلماء، ولا لتماروا به السفهاء، ولا تخيروا به المجالس، فمن فعل ذلك فالنار النار
Also see: Targhib, vol. 1 pg. 115-118
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar